City Departments

SUBJECT: Community to celebrate Magnuson Park Building 30 grand opening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
10/11/2013 2:30:00 PM

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Community to celebrate Magnuson Park Building 30 grand opening

SEATTLE - This afternoon a community celebration will mark the grand opening of the renovated Building 30 at Warren G. Magnuson Park. Mayor Mike McGinn included $8.5 million in the 2012 budget to conduct these renovations. The grand opening allows nonprofit groups to return to a safer building that also serves as an arts hub within the park, with all 35 artist studios already leased. McGinn, Seattle Parks and Recreation and Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange (SPACE) will participate in this afternoon's celebration.

"This is a great investment in our community, preserving and strengthening an important gathering place for the whole city," said McGinn. "I'm excited to see the new Building 30 and to see community members put it to good use."

"Seattle has relied on an affordable community gathering space in Building 30 for more than 15 years," said Acting Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams. "This investment keeps the building open and accessible for years to come."

"Making a permanent home for arts and culture within Magnuson has been a long-held ideal of the community," said Julianna Ross, SPACE Executive Director. "I can't wait for everyone to see what a gem exists here right on the main street of the park."

Originally constructed in the late 1930s, Building 30 was one of many military buildings built at Sand Point prior to US involvement in World War II. It was constructed initially to house and repair aircraft for a Navy Reserve unit and consists of three sections: a hangar, a three-story west wing and a two-story east wing.

The federal government transferred the use of Building 30 to the City of Seattle in 1996. Since then the building has become a focal point of community activity. The building has been used for public meetings, book sales, plant sales, customized car shows, art shows, plays, dance parties, catered events, art exhibitions and festivals, youth gatherings, roller derby, and run/walk fundraisers.

Building 30 has traditionally been the home of many important nonprofit partners. Prior to the building's renovation, its tenants were in danger of being permanently displaced from the space. The renovation makes it possible for EarthCorps, Thistle Theatre, PlantAmnesty, Washington Native Plant Society, Bats Northwest, Music of Remembrance, and Club Northwest to return to the building.

In addition to upgrades that make the building compliant with seismic, fire safety and accessibility codes, the renovation also restored the beautiful art deco Officer's Club.
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